School appoints prefects, monitors

An important phase of the restructuring of the school system at John A. Cumber Primary was completed recently with the appointment of student prefects and monitors for the 2005-6 school year.

Programme Coordinator and Year Six teacher Janet Hoilett, left, and Chairperson Keisha Syms with some of the new prefects and monitors. Photo: Submitted

The West Bay facility now has 32 school prefects chosen from the Year Six seniors and six monitors from Year Five. Others are to be appointed during the school year, said a GIS press release.

The young aides are charged with assisting teachers and fellow students. They help maintain general order and carry out basic administrative chores.

During breaks and lunchtimes their duties include reading or supervising playtime for Year One and Two students, monitoring lunch lines and water fountains, passing out and collecting sports items, delivering staff bulletins and break passes, and performing library duties.

A recognition ceremony was held for the prefects and monitors during a recent school assembly, when the young leaders were congratulated by Principal Dewayne Bennett and presented with special certificates by PTA Chairperson Keisha Syms.

Mrs. Bennett congratulated the students, and reminded them of the gravity of their roles. She also congratulated Year Six teacher Janet Hoilett, who has coordinated the reintroduction of the programme, and encouraged the entire student body to stay true to the John Cumber motto of ‘Aim High’.

The selection and preparation of students started weeks before, as they were given prefect training, took special pledges, were coached as to their duties and shared the new duty roster, the release said.

Deputy Principal Lorna Lumsden explained the importance of these appointments.

‘We are building student leaders. Their deportment is important to their role, and the prefects and monitors are held in high esteem by the rest of the student body. Their participation is also noted in their personal school record,’ she said.

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